My wife's an elementary school teacher. She doesn't think much of (helicopter) parents who hover over everything their kids do, and who insulate them from the real world and everything they perceive as risky (but certainly not all real risks, like driving). We didn't raise our kids that way, though my wife was more risk averse than I was. My parents let me use the 16', 40 hp runabout by myself from the age of 9. Only came close to death once - steering cable snapped, threw me from the boat. The boat came back at me. Had the time, good sense, and skill to dive; I can still hear the prop going over my head. Taught me the value of proper maintenance.
My parents also let me go into the Adirondack wilderness with only a friend for a week when we were 13. That included a long bus trip to get there. We'd both had extensive experience with Scouting. These were formative and very valuable experiences. Being on your own teaches you that you can be on your own, and how to be on your own. Sailing does that too. I know of nothing that increases a kids self confidence more than handing her or him the helm. It's a wonder to watch. Bottom line, taking kids on boats is a good idea. Teaching them how to handle boats responsibly is an even better idea. Not showing kids how to understand and manage risks is likely to have a great negative impact on their lives. Dan Sheer Pegathy LF38 Rock Creek off the Patapsco
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